Genoa changed course after the defeat in Bucharest against Rapid, adopting a four-man defense which brought home a decisive victory against Fiorentina. Coach Daniele DeRossi announced the switch to a 4‑4‑1‑1, with the central pair of Otoa and Ostigard and the wingers Ehizibue and Vasquez, while goalkeeper Ellertsson kept the goal safe.
In Sunday's match, the rossoblù team showed more aggressive and organized football. The first half was the most effective of the season, with two goals scored in just over a quarter of an hour. The first goal came thanks to an action by ElShaarawy, who took advantage of an area of confusion to end up in the net. The second, soon after, was scored by another attacker, demonstrating the team's ability to exploit opportunities quickly.
DeRossi explained that the choice to switch to a four-man defense was motivated by the need to give a boost to the team, which had not yet found victory in the championship. “We discussed with my staff and decided to pretend to have taken over after the Parma match,” said the coach, underlining the importance of a more aggressive approach. The change had the desired effect, with the team keeping PaoloVanoli's Viola in difficulty.
Regarding ElShaarawy's physical condition, DeRossi specified that the player, who arrived in Genoa without an adequate preparation period, was able to contribute with his presence on the pitch. Even Otoa, who had to come off in the second half due to cramps, was not a problem. The coach expressed confidence in the attackers' ability to quickly adapt to the new tactical scheme.
With this victory, Genoa is approaching a more solid position in the league table, while the new defensive system seems to have given the right boost. The club will continue to monitor the fitness of the players and consolidate the four-man structure, with the aim of maintaining positive growth in the upcoming matches.